Camera system including operation sequence control

ABSTRACT

A camera system which, on a single sheet of photographic material, exposes first one area of such sheet of photographic material and thereafter another area of such sheet of photographic material. An optical system for forming images on such photographic material during such exposures. A film holder movable to present such photographic material sheet areas in sequence to such optical system. A system of operational control of such camera system including such movement of such film holder. One part of such control system including indicator lights responsive to various steps of operation of such camera system, including such movement of such film holder. Another part of such control system comprising a covering device which prevents film removal when such film holder is at one point of such movement. A camera system in which each such exposure comprises a subject image and the image of a data card on mutually exclusive portions of each such photographic material sheet areas. A camera system in which two separate pictures may be provided, one in each of two separate areas of photographic material, using a single optical system and movable photographic material, in which each picture may comprise a subject image and a data image on mutually exclusive portions of such picture, and in which each such single optical system comprises two independent optical paths.

United States Patent 1 [111 3,762,292 Bjork et al. 1 1 Oct. 2, 1973 1 1CAMERA SYSTEM mcummc OPERATION SEQUENCE CONTROL 57 ABSTRACT Inventors:Albion P. Bjork, Lincoln, Mass; James M. Conner, Mamaroneck,

Appl. N0.: 263,003

Related U.S. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 77,916, Oct. 5,1970, Pat. No.

[52] U.S. Cl 95/36 R, 95/l.1, 355/53 [51] Int. Cl. G03b 19/02 [58] Fieldof Search 95/1.1, 36, 13; 355/3, 53

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,386,276 10/1945 Simjian95/36 X 2,984,163 5/1961 Giamo 3,283,685 11/1966 Cummins 95/36 3,639,0562/1972 Gerson 355/53 3,068,771 12/1962 Casselman 95/13 PrimaryExaminer.lohn M. Horan Attorney-Robert L. Berger A camera system which,on a single sheet of photographic material, exposes first one area ofsuch sheet of photographic material and thereafter another area of suchsheet of photographic material. An optical system for forming images onsuch photographic material during such exposures. A film holder movableto present such photographic material sheet areas in sequence to suchoptical system. A system of operational control of such camera systemincluding such movement of such film holder. One part of such controlsystem including indicator lights responsive to various steps ofoperation of such camera system, including such movement of such filmholder. Another part of such control system comprising a covering devicewhich prevents film removal when such film holder is at one point ofsuch movement. A camera system in which each such exposure comprises asubject image and the image of a data card on mutually exclusiveportions of each such photographic material sheet areas. A camera systemin which two separate pictures may be provided, one in each of twoseparate areas of photographic material, using a single optical systemand movable photographic material, in which each picture may comprise asubject image and a data image on mutually exclusive portions of suchpicture, and in which each such single optical system comprises twoindependent optical paths.

31 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures United States Patent 1 [111 3,762,292

Bjork et al.

[ Oct. 2, 1973 arr-@22 PATENTEDBBI 2.!973

SHEET 1 0F 5 PATENTEBum 2mm 3.762.292

' sum 3 or 6 WAIT T i 1 I "SHIFT I I BACK 1 A \J 45 PULL TAB

J L L J J FIG. 3

PATENTEDW 21913 SHEET '4 OF 6 FIG. 4

Pmmauwr 21m 7 3 sum snr e FLASH UNIT CAPACITY CHARGE 33 Q WAIT REEDSWITCHES LOGIC I 35 CIRCUIT SHIFT 3| BACK MICRO -7- SWITCHES PULL TABPULL SWITCHES as TAB CAMERA SYSTEM INCLUDING OPERATION SEQUENCE CONTROLThis is a division of copending application Ser. No. 77,9]6, filed Oct.5, l970, now US. Pat. No. 3,726,l98.

This invention relates to photographic systems, and has particularreference to still photography, in situations in which it is desirableto obtain two separate photographs on a single sheet of photographicmaterial.

Such situations are exemplified by identification photography for theproduction of automobile or other licenses, employment or institutionalidentification cards, credit cards, and the like. In such situations, itis desirable that use be made of readily available film size. Such filmis available for use in cameras which use two optical systems. In somesuch cameras, each such optical system is in fact made up of two opticalsystems usable to provide two images on mutually exclusive areas of eachphotograph.

In order to achieve such separate pictures, it is desirable that bothpictures be taken with the same equipment, and under the samecircumstances, to use the full extent of the film. Different pictures ofdifferent subjects can be taken quickly, no more than a few momentsapart, in an inexpensive operation in terms of handling many subjects ina short time.

Two separate cameras, side by side, is an expensive manner ofaccomplishment of this purpose. Further, there may be undesirablevariants between the cameras, as original, or developed in use. Also,differences may appear in the photographic angles or directions or indouble optical systems which may be used. Such differences may becontrolled, but expensively, and ,would require continuous servicemonitoring.

A single camera, having internal systems equating to two cameras, suchas two essentially independent optical systems, would have the same, orsimilar, disadvantages.

The difficulties of the situation are compounded by the multiplephotographing needs of identification as necessary today, in that asingle photograph often needs to contain, on mutually exclusive areas, aphotograph of a subject,'and a photograph of data associated with thesubject, with the additional feature of reproduction of a validatingsignature which may incurse on both the subject and data pictures.

Identification card systems of this nature are described in thefollowing copending applications:

(use Serial No. Inventor Filing Date 864.632 1. F. Pasieka 10/8/69864.637 M. F. Eacock l/2/70 849,960 8. K. Johnson 6/25/70 4190 M. A.Seiden M92 D. E. Moodie 4|93 D. E. Moodie One such identification systemmay have an optical system for the subject, and an optical system forthe data, with the two photographs taken sequentially but with the sameactuation means and separated only very briefly in time. Thus a twopicture system would require four optical systems.

The present invention provides means for efficiently using such amultiple image single picture system in a double photograph device, andin such manner and with such structure as to obviate the difficultiesand disadvantages of other possible structures as exemplified by theabove discussion.

This invention provides a system for producing such rapidly produceableseparate individual or composite photographs in which a single opticalsystem is used. This optical system may be multiple in fact, with oneportion for a subject and one portion for data, but it is a single pairwhere other structures require two pairs of optical systems.

The concept of this invention is to provide a photographic materialsheet and to present first one portion of this sheet to the opticalsystem whether it be single or one pair of optical systems, and then toso present another portion of the photographic sheet. In generalstructure, this invention comprises a camera system with a front sectioncontaining the optical system, and a back section containing thephotographic film, with this back section movable between up and downpositions, to present two different areas of a photographic sheetsequentially to the optical system.

Importantly, this invention involves control means to assure properoperation of this conceptually simple system. This control relates tocontrol of the operational actions of an operator of the camera system.One form of such control is a matter of providing indicator signals,which, if followed by the operator, will assure proper operation of thecamera in a logic cycle of sequential operational steps. These signalsrelate to movement of the camera back up and down for one picture in upposition and another picture in down position. They relate, further, tothe operation of electronic flash units used in taking each picture, asrelated to wait time necessary to recharge such flash units between thedischarge of one or more of such units in the course of taking onepicture and the readiness of such units to take another picture.Further, such signals relate to the situation in which the system isready for the pulling of a photographic material pull tab in the coursetreatment and removal of such material from the camera system. Anotherform of such control is a matter of a physical barrier to improperaction by a camera operator in terms of pulling such pull tab at thewrong time, that is, when one picture has been taken and it mayotherwise be overlooked that the second picture has not yet been taken.This physical barrier is aflexible apron which, in one position, coversthe photographic material pull tab so it cannot be reached by theoperator, This apron has one end secured to the fixed, front part of thecamera system and its other end secured to the movable back part of thecamera system. In the situation wherein one picture has been taken andthe back moved to ready the system for the second picture, this aproncovers the pull tab until the back is moved again, the operator havingbeen thus reminded to take the second picture.

When desired, such controls may be ignored, but for proper cycling andfull use of the system, they must be followed in full logic sequence.

The camera system of this invetion, in operation, involves threeoperator movement situations: (1) move ment of the camera actuator, thepushbutton; (2) movement of the camera back, up and down; and (3) themovement involved in pulling the pull tab and removing exposed film fromthe camera.

It involves three switches in relation to the movement of the cameraactuator, three switches in relation to the movement of the camera back,and one switch situation in relation to the pulling of the pull tab andthe removal of the exposed film from the camera.

It also involves three indicator lights: (1) WAIT; (2) SHIFT BACK; (3)PULL TAB.

Suitable, common practice electrical and/or electronic circuitry (notshown), is used in connections as necessary to accomplish the variousfunctions of control of the system, as set forth herein.

The electronic flash system for each picture is actuated to discharge asa result of actuating the camera pushbutton. This same action results atleast indirectly, in wait light and shift back light coming on. The waitlight goes out as a result of a sensor response in a suitable chargingcircuit for the electronic flash system. The shift back light goes outas a result of movement of the camera back. Movement of the camera backto one position first enables the pull-tab light circuit, and furthermovement of the camera back to another position actuates the pull tabswitch in its then ready circuit. The pull-tab light goes out in thecourse of removing the exposed film from the camera when the pull-tab ispulled.

An outline of the operation of the system is as follows: Starting withthe back and film in the up position, and all lights out, the pushbuttonis actuated, the flash system is discharged and wait and shift backlights come on. The back is moved down, extinguishing the shift backlight and enabling the pull tab light. When the flash system isrecharged, the wait light goes out. The pushbutton is again actuated totake the second picture. The flash system is again discharged, the waitand shift back lights again come on. The back is moved up, extinguishingthe shift back light and actuating the pull tab' light as it goes.Again, the wait light is extinguished when the flash system has beenrecharged. The pull tab light is extinguished thereafter, in the courseof pulling the tab and removing the exposed film from the camera. Thepull tab preventer apron covers the pull tab when the back is in thedown position, and is removed from covering the pull tab when the backis in the up position.

As a vehicle of illustration and explanation of this invention, anidentification camera system is shown involving a combination of asubject image and a data card image on mutually exclusive areas of asingle card.

An object of this invention, therefore, is to provide an improvedidentification card camera system.

Another primary object of this invention is to provide an improvedcamera system of the type indicated which includes a unique system ofproducing identification cards in close succession in such camerasystem.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved camerasystem of the type indicated which includes a unique system which usesone and the same optical system, either single or double, for producingboth of said identification cards by logic system controlled meanssequentially presently different areas of a single sheet of photographicmaterial to such one optical system to provide a system requiringminimum operator training and experience.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be in part apparentand in part pointed out hereinafter and in the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a comprehensve showing of much of a camera system embodyingthis invention, in the form of a side elevation, partially cut away,partially sectional, and schematic in parts;

FIG. 2 is a detail development of the sliding back portion of FIG. 1,9

FIG. 3 is a rear face view of the structure of FIG. 2, with certain backportions of FIG. 2 removed, to illustrate the interior;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective of the front (drawing right) side ofthe structure of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a face view of a pull-tab preventer apron, shown also in FIGS.1, 2, and 3;

FIG. 6 is an operational flow block diagram of a camera system accordingthis invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of an indicator logic circuitaccording to this invention, and

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic exploded perspective of a section of thevalidation and polarizing plate forming a part of the camera system ofFIG. 1 and illustrating the operable relationship between that plate anda section of a sheet of photographic material mounted in such system.

BACKGROUND The operational control system of this invention as appliedto cameras, is exemplified in this disclosure and with the accompanyingdrawings, as applied to an identification card camera as a vehicle ofillustration, and, more particularly to a camera system of theselfdeveloping type for sequentially recording images of two scenes onmutually exclusive areas of a sheet of photographic material. Suchrecordings of images on mutually exclusive areas of a sheet ofphotographic material is provided on the basis of a special arrangementof polarizing elements. A polarizing plate is provided, as part of thissystem, with two sections, each having such mutually exclusive areas,and structural and operational detail of this plate is set forth herein.

As a matter of orientation, the above system involves two essentiallysimultaneous, but sequential, photographic steps. That is, for oneidentification card, two different scenes are imaged. One is thesubject, the person being identified, and the other is a data cardrelating to that person and the issuing agency. A validation signatureis also photographed but basically, two photogaphs are taken to provideone unit, the single identification card. In this invention, two suchmultiple image cards are produced on a single sheet of film.

The control sysem of this invention is thus applied to a camera systemlike that above as a vehicle of disclosure wherein two such photographsare taken, each comprising the single identification card which itselfcomprises two photographs.

The camera system of the above sets forth an optical system which hastwo independent optical paths, one for the subject and one for the data,which are sequentially used for the data and subject.

Accordingly, to produce two separate identification cards in closesuccession and on different areas of a single photographic sheet, twosuch double optical systems would ordinarily be required.

This invention obviates such an expensive and bulky system, withincreased potential for error, or operational or structuraldifficulties, by using a single optical system, with two optical pathsand by sequentially presenting to such single system, different portionsof a single sheet of photographic material. This is accomplished byproviding a camera system with a front section including such opticalsystem, and a reciprocatory sliding back section, including a sheet ofphotographic material.

This is a simple concept of obtaining two identification photographs inquick succession. It is important to provide effective operationalcontrols for implementing this concept. This invention relates to suchcontrols, in the sense of controlling the operational actions of anoperator.

STRUCTURE In FIG. 1, the camera system comprises a front sectioncontaining the optical system and a rear section 11 containing a filmpack 12. In the rear section 11 a sheet of the film, as a sheet ofphotographic material 13 presented at a focal plane 14.

In the front section 10, a data card holder I5 is placed forillumination by an electronic flash unit I6, and is provided with anoptical system comprising a mirror 17, a lens unit 18, a polarizingmember 19, and another mirror 20. This optical system images the datacard at the focal plane 14. Further, an objective lens unit 21 isprovided, for imaging a subject at the focal plane, through a suitablepolarizing member (not shown) when the mirror 20 is pivoted up out ofthe way, with a following baffle 22 to prevent undesirable reflectiontherefrom. A second electronic flash unit 23 is suitably placed forilluminating the subject, and is suitably operatively associated andsynchronized with shutter operation of the objective unit 211.

A camera operating pushbutton on structure 24 is operable tosequentially achieve in either the up or down position of the cameraback, first a picture of the data card at by actuating the flash l6 andsecond, a picture of the subject by first moving the mirror to its upposition by means of a cam 25 through a cable connection 26 and thenactuating the flash 23 and through a cable 27, a shutter in the lensunit 21. The flash units 16 and 23 are actuated, respectively, throughelectrical switches 27 and 28. Prior to exposure of the data card, apolarizing plate 29 is moved into overlying contact with the film 13 atthe focal plane 14. The polarizing plate 29 contains two sets ofpolarizing material, with each set suitably related to the polarizingmembers in the data card and subject optical systems, as exemplified by19. A validation signature may also be incorporated in each of sets ofpolarizing material in the polarizing plate 29.

In either the up or down position of the camera back, the camera isactuated by pushing down the button 24. The action is as follows: Switch31 is actuated, to temporarily disable a charge circuit for the flashunits 16 and 23. Polarizer plate 29 is released by cam 25 and moved byspring 39 into overlying position against the film 13, switch 27 isactuated and flash unit 16 is discharged. A picture of a data card in 15is thus taken, by way of mirror 17, lens unit 18, polarizer 19, andmirror 20. As the pushbutton continues down thereafter, cam 25 isfurther rotated, mirror 20 is pivoted up out of the way, and switch 28is actuated, to fire the flash unit 23. A picture of a subject is thustaken, through the lens and shutter unit 21 and a polarizer (not shown)orthogonally disposed with respect to polarizer 19. As the button 24 isreleased, the system reverts to the situation of FIG. 1.

In the course of operating the camera system of this invention on acontrolled basis, there are three movement functions accomplished by theoperator. First, the pushbutton 24 is pushed down, and returns to itsinitial position, FIG. I, under the action of a suitable return spring,which may be associated with the cam 25. Second, the camera back llll,starting from its up position as shown in FIG. ll, is moved, by hand,down to the FIG. 1 dotted line position after the first picture is taken(data card and subject). After the second picture is taken (again datacard and subject) in this down position, the camera back is again moved(by hand), in a return to its original, starting position as in FIG. ll.Third, when both pictures have been taken and the camera back is againin its FIG. 1 position, the operator pulls the pull-tab 30 to initiatedevelopment of the exposed film.

Associated with these three movements are various electrical switchesinvolved in the operation of the camera and the operational controlthereof. First, the movement of the pushbutton 24 operates threeswitches: microswitch 27 for firing the data flash unit 16, microswitch28 for later firing the subject flash unit 23, and a microswitchsiamesed with the microswitch 27 and indicated by button 311, this lastmicroswitch being operable with, or just before, microswitch 27 as atemporary disabler for a flash system charge circuit and consequentiallyone of the indicator lights, as set forth later herein.

Second, the movement of the camera back 111 operates three reed switches(see FIGS. 2 and 4) by means of a magnet 32 carried by the camera backin its up and down movement. Reed switch 33 is used to extinguish anindicator light having to do with the movement of the back. Reed switch35 is used to enable a circuit which is later (when the back is moved upafter having been fully down and the second picture taken) energized byreed switch 34 to put on an indicator light relating to pulling the tab30.

Third, the movement involved in pulling the pull-tab 30. This results inapplying chemical developer to the exposed film after both pictures havebeen taken and in removing the film from the camera. Such film removalactuates a switch indicated at 36, FIG. 1, to extinguish the lightrelating to pulling the tab 30. Switch 36 is thus a reset device,operable whenever the tab is pulled, whether the pictures are taken ornot.

Suitable circuitry (not shown) is used for these switch connections,actuations, and systems and is indicated schematically in FIG. 7. Giventhe location and functional requirements of the system, one skilled inthe art can readily set up such circuits. The nature of the operationand condition of such switches is also a matter of suitability to thefunctions. Depending on the selected circuitry, the switches may benormally open or normally closed, or may be momentary in operation.

Associated with such movements and such switches are three indicatorlights, FIG. 3, as WAIT, SHIFT BACK; and PULL TAB.

The FIG. 7 block illustrationn of logic cuircuitry used in the controloperations of this invention comprises a logic circuit system into whichare fed inputs of flash unit capacity charge, reed switches,microswitches, and the pull tab switch as indicated, with resultantselective operation of the wait, shift back, and pull tab lights.

In the course of starting operation of the system, the film is loadedwhen the back is in the up position of FIG. I, All three indicatorlights are off. As the actuator button 24 is pushed down, switch 31temporarily disables the flash unit charger circuit and, switch 27 andswitch 28 fire the data flash and face, or subject flash units 16 and23, in sequence. The WAIT light and the SHIFT BACK light are turned onthrough circuits energized also by the switches 27 and 28.

Such electronic flash units, as commonly known, are discharge devices,and each is supplied with a capacitor which is discharged, and suitablerecharge circuits after such discharge. Since this takes a few seconds,the WAIT light is energized to warn against pushing the actuator button24 again before the flash units are again fully charged. When they areso charged, a suitable known sensor of this condition responds andestablishes a condition in the circuitry which results in extinguishingthe WAIT light.

As the camera back is moved down, which may be done before the waitlight goes out, the magnet 32 passes the reed switch 33 and itsactuation disables the circuitry of the SHIFT BACK light, and this lightgoes out.

When the back reaches its low point as indicated in FIG. 1, the magnet32 actuates the enabler reed switch 35, having passed the PULL TABswitch 34 on way down without effect because switch 35 had not yet beenactuated.

Then, after the WAIT light goes out, the button 24 may be pushed to takethe second, duplicate picture. As before, the 'flash units 16 and 23 aretired, and the WAIT and SHIFT BACK lights come on.

As the back is moved up thereafter, the magnet 32 again passes the reedswitch 34 and the PULL TAB light comes on because its circuit is nowenabled through switch 35.

Again, the SHIFT BACK light goes out as the magnet 32 passes reed switch33 as the camera back is moved up. Again, the WAIT light goes out whenthe flash units 16 and 23 are recharged. Thereafter, the PULL TAB lightgoes out in the course of removal of the exposed and developed film fromthe camera.

As an auxiliary tosuch electrical indicator warning system as a controlof the operators actions in operating the camera, physical blockingmeans37 is applied to prevent the tab 30 from being pulled when thecamera back is'in its down position. This is an added precaution toaid'in achieving the full and proper cycle of operation of the system.When the back is down, the PULL TAB light is not on, and before thesecond picture is taken, the WAIT and SHIFT BACK lights are outJAnoperator'might by mistake assume all is well and pull the tab 30 thuswasting one half of the film. However, with the blocking means 37, inthe form of a foldable apron, covering the pull tab, see the dotted linesituation of FIG. 1, an operator cannot pull the tab until the back ismoved to its up position and the apron 37is folded to uncover the tab.

Accordingly, the indicator light system and the pull tab apron worktogether in two forms of control of the operation of the camera system.

In the camera structure, a bail 38 is used to move the polarizing plate29 toward and away from the film pack 12. When the pictures are taken,the plate 29 is flat against the film, and when the film tab is to bepulled, the plate 29 is moved away from the film. A spring 39 is biasedagainst the camera support structure to constantly urge, the plate 29toward the film pack 12. At the proper time, the cam 25 engages the bail38 to move it about its mounting pivot and thus pull the plate 29 awayfrom the film. When the back is in the down position, the cam 25 doesnot contact the bail 38 because there is no need at that stage of theoperational cycle, to move the plate 29 away from the film pack.

This camera system has means for sliding the back up and down, with thefilm holder in it. Thus two identification cards may be produced fromeach photo-graphic sheet. Thus each plate 29 includes two sections 100,as in FIG. 8; each adapted to overlie approximately onehalf of thephotographic sheet 13. When the back is in its FIG. 1 solid lineposition, the lower half of sheet 13 may be employed to produce a firstidentification card. Subsequently, the camera back, and film, may beslideably displaced downwardly to bring the upper half of the sheet 24,overlaid by a second section of the plate 29, into position forphotographic operations.

In FIG. 8, a section 100 of the polarizing plate 29 has been exploded tomore clearly illustrate its various components.

As shown in FIG. 8, a sheet 101, of polarizing materials is sandwichedbetween a pair of transparent support plates 102 and 103. As indicated,the polarizing plate 29 overlies and is positioned in close proximity tothe sheet of photographic material 13 when the subject and data card arebeing photographed. Consequently, the illustrated section of the sheetof polarizing material 101 may have approximately the same dimensions asthe finished identification card. In the illustrated embodiment, thissheet 101 comprises a first generally L- shaped" section 104 having itstransmission axis aligned with that of the light polarizer 19 and arectangularly shaped section 105 having its transmission axis alignedwith that of the light polarizer for the objective 21. The formersection 104 has the same size and shape of a section 106 of thephotographic sheet 13 which it is adapted to overlie and on which thedata card image is intended to be recorded, while the latter section 105has the same size and shape of a section 107 of the photographic sheet13 which it is adapted to overlie and on which the subjects image isintended to be recorded. Conventional means may be employed to fabricatethe sheet of polarizing materials 101. For instance, this sheet 101 maycomprise a lamination of polyvinyl alcohol sheets, each having beenstretched and molecularly oriented so as to be birefringent,appropriately dyed and printed in accordance with current techniques toprovide the aforementioned sections 104 and 105 having orthogonallyaligned transmission axes. Alternately, other conventional forms ofpolarizing sheet material may be cut, aligned and mounted on a suitabletransparent support.

The support plates 102 and 103 may be formed with any suitable material,such as an acrylic lucite or a glass, and appropriately adhered to theopposed faces of the sheet 101. These support plates 102 and 103 notonly serve to support the sheet of polarizing materials, 101 but alsoserve to protect that sheet from foreign matter, abrasion, etc.importantly, the support plate 103 is provided with indicia 108, such asa validating signature, company name, trademark, or other symbol, whichit is intended to photographically reproduce on the sheet ofphotographic material 13. In this respect, such indicia may be hotstamped in an opaque ink into a surface of the support 103. Preferably,it would be stamped into the surface of that support plate 103 intendedto be mounted adjacent the sheet of photographic material 13 and at aposition thereon so as to be photographically reproduced in part on thesection 107 thereof and in part on the section 106 thereof. When theplate 29 is disposed against the sheet 24, the

sections 104 and 105 of its sheet of polarizing materials 101respectively overlie the sections 106 and 107 of the photographic sheet13. To minimize any distortion of the images, it is desirable that thesupport plate 103 be relatively thin.

It will thus be appreciated that the polarizing plat 29, in combinationwith the light polarizers like 19 serves to effectively limit the lightrays intersecting section 107 of the sheet of photographic material 13to those from the subject and to limit the light rays intersectingsection 106 of the sheet of photographic material to those from the datacard 15. Further, it is naturally desirable that light rays from thedata card 15, which are polarized by the element 19, bedirectedeffectively and efficiently onto the appropriate section 106 ofthe photographic sheet 13. As indicated, at the same time, it isdesirable that section 105 of the sheet 101 preclude any such rays fromimpinging upon section 107 of the photographic sheet 13. Consequently,the polarization characteristics of such light rays should not bedistorted or changed to any extent intermediate the element 19 and thesheet 13. In this respect, the alignment of the mirror 20 and thepolarizing element 19 is preferably such that the transmission axis ofthat element is parallel to the plane of the mirror. Any deviation fromthis type of alignment could result in a component of the light raysbeing oriented parallel to the transmission axis of the section 105 ofthe sheet 101, whereby such component would pass through that section ofthe sheet 101 onto section 107 of the photographic sheet 13.

In order to reduce the pull force which must be exerted by the operatoron the tab 30 to effect the removal of each film unit from the filmholder 11, and further, to preclude scratching the exposed surface ofthe photographic sheet 13 at such time, it is desirable that thepolarizing plate 29 be positioned out of contact with an exposedphotographic sheet whenever such a sheet is being withdrawn from thefilm holder. Consequently, the validation plate 29 is mounted within thecamera system for selective displacement between its position as shownin FIG. 1 of the drawings and its position against the film 13.

In the up position of the film holder as in solid lines in FIG. 1, whenthe pushbutton 24 is actuated, cam 25 rotates and releases the bail 38to allow spring 39 to move the polarizing plate 29 to and against thefilm 13. As the button 24 is released, after the flash units 16 and 23have been fired, cam 25 reverses, and again engages the bail 38 to movethe plate 29 away from the film 13. Thus at this point the pull-tab 30may be pulled, if desired, without damage to the film from scrapingengagement with the plate 29, and with low pull force. Thereafter, whenthe film holder 11 is moved down to its second position, as at 11 indotted lines in FIG. 1, the bail 38 moves down and out of contact withthe cam 25. Thus pushing the button 24 and rotating the cam 25 in takingpictures of data and subject in the down position of the film, has noeffect in terms of movement of the polarizing plate with respect to thefilm 13. The plate 29 stays in contact with the film until the filmholder is again moved up and the bail 38 again engages the cam 25. Thissystem is thus not designed to accomodate pulling the tab in the downposition. As a protective control in this situation, the apron 37 is intab covering position 37 so the operator cannot pull the tab 30.

The camera back support plate 40 has a pair of vertical channel guidemembers 41 secured thereto to receive and guide a back slide plate 42.The polarizing plate 29 is mounted, with the bail 38, on the side plate42 for movement up and down therewith, along with the film pack 12. Asheet of photographic material is thus moved up and down to presentdifferent portions thereof to the optical system of the camera toachieve two photographs or two identification cards on the same sheet ofphotographic material.

The camera back is moved manually, up and down to and from a topposition and a down position. In aid of this movement and as means ofholding the back in whichever position it is moved to, center overridecoil springs 43 each have one end secured to the back support 40 and theother end secured to the slide plate 42. In this arrangement, as theback is moved from one position, each spring opposes the movement untilan intermediate spot is reached, when the springs snap over and aid thecontinuing movement to and hold in the new position.

The apron 37 has its lower end secured to the back support plate 40 andits upper end secured to the slide plate 42. As best seen in FIG. 5, theapron 37 has a top cut-out portion 44 to receive the pull-tab when theback is down. The apron may be made out of plastic, with living hingesat transverse fold areas 45, 46, and 47 to facilitate folding action ofthe apron as the back is moved up and down. As shown in FIG. 1, in theup position of the back, the apron has left the pull-tab uncovered, butthe apron remains somewhat bent to facilitate bending in the rightdirection to achieve its FIG. I dotted line position, when the back ismoved down, to cover the tab 30. As the back moves down. the tab dropsinto the apron cut-out 44.

The FIG. 6 flow chart is intended as a general guide to the cycle ofoperation of the camera system according to this invention.

This invention accordingly provides a useful system of operationalcontrol for a camera system in which identification photographs areproduced in quick succession. In a unique protective combination, asystem of indicator warnings is combined with physical preventive meansto aid in achieving proper operational cycles, repeatedly operational inthe same direction.

As many embodiments may be made of the above invention, and as changesmay be made in the embodiment set forth above without departing from thescope of the invention, it is to be understood that all matter set forthhereinbefore and in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted asillustrative only and not in a limiting sense.

We claim:

11. A camera system comprising:

an optical system for forming an image of a given size at a focal plane;

means for mounting a sheet of photographic material in said focal plane,such photographic sheet being at least twice said given size;

means for achieving relative movement between said optical system andsaid mounting means to sequentially present first and second areas ofsuch sheet of photographic material to said optical system whereby suchfirst area may be first exposed to record an image thereon and, afterrelative movement has been effected between said optical system and saidmounting means, such second area may be exposed to record an imagethereon, the normal operation of said camera system being devised tocommence with said optical system in a first given position with respectto said mounting means and involving a predetermined sequence of stepsperformed by an operator to produce an image on each such first andsecond areas of such photographic sheet, said sequence of stepsincluding the step of effecting relative movement between said opticalsystem and said mounting means and at least one step independent ofeffecting relative movement between said optical system and saidmounting means; and

means responsive to the performance by the operator of each said stepfor indicating to the operator the next said step to be taken by him inconforming with said predetermined sequence of steps.

2. The camera system of claim 1 wherein said camera system includes ashutter and said one step independent of effecting relative movementbetween said optical system and said mounting means comprises theactuation of said shutter.

3. The camera system of claim 1 wherein said camera system includes aflash unit and said one step independent of effecting relative movementbetween said optical system and said mounting means comprises theactuation of said flash unit.

4. The camera system of claim 1 wherein said camera system is of theself-developing type including means for spreading a processing fluidacross such sheet of photographic material responsive to such sheet ofphotographic material being withdrawn from said camera system and saidone step independent of effecting relative movement between said opticalsystem and said mounting means comprises the withdrawal of such sheet ofphotographic material from said camera system.,

5. The camera system of claim 2 wherein said camera system is of theself-developing type including means for spreading a processing fluidacross such sheet of photographic material responsive to such sheet ofphotographic material being withdrawn from said camera system and asecond said step independent of effecting relative movement between saidoptical systems and said mounting means comprises the withdrawal of suchsheet of photographic material from said camera system.

6. The camera system of claim 3 wherein said camera system is of theself-developing type including means for spreading a processing fluidacross such sheet of photographic material responsive to such sheet ofphotographic material being withdrawn from said camera system and asecond said step independent of effecting relative movement between saidoptical system and said mounting means comprises the withdrawal of suchsheet of photographic material from said camera system.

7. The camera system of claim 1 wherein said indicating means comprisesa plurality of light sources on said camera system.

8. The camera system of claim 1 wherein said indicating means comprisesinstructional indicia.

9. A camera system comprising:

an optical system for forming an image of a given size at a focal plane;

means for mounting a sheet of photographic material in said focal plane,such photographic sheet being at least twice said given size;

a shutter positioned in operative relationship with said optical system;

manually operative means for achieving relative movement between saidoptical system and said mounting means to sequentially present first andsecond areas of such sheet of photographic material to said opticalsystem whereby such first area may be first exposed to record an imagethereon and, after relative movement has been effected between saidoptical system and said mounting means, such second area may be exposedto record an image thereon; and

meanslresponsive to the actuation of said shutter for indicating to anoperator that he should effect relative movement between said opticalsystem and said mounting means.

10. The camera system of claim 9 wherein said indicating means comprisesinstructional indicia.

11. The camera system of claim 9 wherein said indicating means comprisesa light source.

12. The camera system of claim 9 wherein said indicating means arefurther responsive to subsequent relative movement being effectedbetween said optical system and said mounting means.

13. The camera system of claim 9 additionally including a flash lamp,chargeable means for energizing said flash lamp, said chargeable meansrequiring a period of time to become fully charged after each dischargethereof, and means for indicating to an operator whether or not saidchargeable means is fully charged.

14. The camera system of claim 13 wherein said means for indicating toan operator whether or not said chargeable means is fully chargedincludes instructional indicia.

15. The camera system of claim 13 wherein said means for indicating toan operator whether or not said chargeable means is fully chargedcomprises a light source.

16. A self-developing camera system comprising:

an optical system for forming an image of a given size at a focal plane;

means for mounting a sheet of photographic material in said focal plane,such photographic sheet being at least twice said given size;

means for spreading a processing fluid across such sheet of photographicmaterial responsive to such sheet of photographic material beingwithdrawn from said camera system; and

means responsive to relative movement being effected between saidoptical system and said mounting means for indicating to an operatorthat he should effect the withdrawal of such sheet of photographicmaterial from said camera system.

17. The camera system of claim 16 wherein said mounting means isarranged with respect to said optical system for reciprocal movementrelative thereto and said indicating means is responsive to relativemovement being effected between said optical system and said mountingmeans in a first direction plus a second direction relative thereto.

18. The camera system of claim 16 wherein said indicating meanscomprises instructional indicia.

19. The camera system of claim 16 wherein said indicating meanscomprises a light source.

20. The camera system of claim 16 wherein said camera systemadditionally includes a shutter positioned in operative relationshipwith said optical system and means responsive to the actuation of saidshutter for indicating to an operator that he should effect relativemovement between said optical system and said mounting means.

21. The camera system of claim 16 wherein said camera systemadditionally includes indicating means responsive to the subsequentwithdrawal of such sheet of photographic material from said camerasystem.

22. The camera system of claim 20 wherein said camera systemadditionally includes a flash lamp, chargeable means for energizing saidflash lamp, said chargeable means requiring a period of time to becomefully charged after each discharge thereof, and means for indicating toan operator whether or not said chargeable means is fully charged.

23. A camera system of the self-developing type comprising:

a first section including an optical system for forming an image of ascene at a focal plane and in a predetermined area of said focal plane;

a second section attached to said first section for sliding movementthereon and including means for mounting a sheet of photographicmaterial at said focal plane, said sheet of photographic materialincluding a pull-tab accessible exteriorly of said second section tofacilitate its withdrawal therefrom, means for spreading a processingfluid across said sheet after exposure thereof and as said sheet ofphotographic material is withdrawn from said second section, saidsliding movement being effective to selectively present differentportions of said photographic sheet into overlying coincidence with saidpredetermined area of said focal plane;

means for operating said camera comprising an actuating device and anelectronic flash unit; and

means for controlling the operation of said camera in the form of anelectrical system comprising electrical switch means operable by saidsliding movement of said second section, electrical switch meansoperable by said actuating device, and indicator means responsive to theoperation of said electrical switch means.

24. A camera system according to claim 23 wherein said switch andindicator means include means for representing a next needed step ofmovement of said second section.

25. A camera system according to claim 23 wherein said switch andindicator means include means for representing delay periods sufiicientto facilitate the recharging of said electronic flash unit between theformation of images in said different portions of said photographicsheet.

26. A camera system according to claim 23 wherein said switch andindicator means include means for representing the suitable situationfor pulling said pulltab, in terms of and when said image has presumablybeen impressed on both of said different portions of said photographicsheet and said thus exposed sheet is ready for said spreading ofprocessing fluid thereacross.

27. A camera system according to claim 23 wherein said switch andindicator means include:

means for representing a next needed step of movement of said secondsection;

means for representing delay periods sufficient to facilitate therecharging of said electronic flash units between the formation ofimages in said different portions of said photographic sheets; and

means for representing the suitable situation for pulling said pull-tabas a function of the'movement of said second section.

28. A camera system according to claim 27 wherein said image of asubject is made up of two images on mutually exclusive portions of eachof said areas of said photographic sheet.

29. A camera system comprising:

a first section including means for forming an image of a subject at afocal plane;

a second section attached to said first section and including means formounting a sheet of photographic material, including a pull-tab, at saidfocal plane and for spreading a processing fluid across said sheet afterexposure thereof responsive to the exertion of a pulling force on saidpull-tab;

means for displacing said second section between a position wherein saidimage is formed on a first area of said photographic sheet and aposition wherein said image is formed on a second area of saidphotographic sheet;

electrical switch means attached to one of said sections, adjacent theother of said sections;

electrical switch actuating means attached to said other of saidsections, whereby said displacement of said second section results inactuation of said switch means; and

signal means connected to and responsive to action of said switch meansin representation of a condition of displacement of said second section,said switch and signal means including means for indicating when acondition of said displacement of said second section exists duringwhich it is desirable that said pull-tab be pulled.

30. A camera system comprising:

a first section including means for forming an image of a subject at afocal plane;

a second section attached to said first section and including means formounting a sheet of photographic material, including a pull-tab, at saidfocal plane and for spreading a processing fluid across said sheet afterexposure thereof resposive to the exertion of a pulling force on saidpull-tab;

means for displacing said second section between a position wherein saidimage is formed on a first area of said photographic sheet and aposition wherein said image is formed on a second area of saidphotograhic sheet;

electrical switch means attached to one of said sections, adjacent theother of said sections;

electrical switch actuating means attached to said other of saidsections, whereby said displacement of said second section results inactuation of said switch means; and

signal means connected to and responsive to action of said switch meansin representation of a condition of displacement of said second section,said switch and signal means including a switch and signal combinationfor representation of a condition of displacement of said second sectionin which it is desirable that said second section be moved and a switchand signal combination for representation of a condition of saiddisplacement of said second wherein said image is formed on a secondarea of said photographic sheet;

magnetically operable electrical switch means attached to said firstsection, adjacent said second section;

electrical switch actuating means comprising a permanent magnet attachedto said second section, whereby said displacement of said second sectionresults in actuation of said switch means;

signal means connected to and responsive to action of said switch meansin representation of a condition of displacement of said second section.

1. A camera system comprising: an optical system for forming an image ofa given size at a focal plane; means for mounting a sheet ofphotographic material in said focal plane, such photographic sheet beingat least twice said given size; means for achieving relative movementbetween said optical system and said mounting means to sequentiallypresent first and second areas of such sheet of photographic material tosaid optical system whereby such first area may be first exposed torecord an image thereon and, after relative movement has been effectedbetween said optical system and said mounting means, such second areamay be exposed to record an image thereon, the normal operation of saidcamera system being devised to commence with said optical system in afirst given position with respect to said mounting means and involving apredetermined sequence of steps performed by an operator to produce animage on each such first and second areas of such photographic sheet,said sequence of steps including the step of effecting relative movementbetween said optical system and said mounting means and at least onestep independent of effecting relative movement between said opticalsystem and said mounting means; and means responsive to the performanceby the operator of each said step for indicating to the operator thenext said step to be taken by him in conforming with said predeterminedsequence of steps.
 2. The camera system of claim 1 wherein said camerasystem includes a shutter and said one step independent of effectingrelative movement between said optical system and said mounting meanscomprises the actuation of said shutter.
 3. The camera system of claim 1wherein said camera system includes a flash unit and said one stepindependent of effecting relative movement between said optical systemand said mounting means comprises the actuation of said flash unit. 4.The camera system of claim 1 wherein said camera system is of theself-developing type including means for spreading a processing fluidacross such sheet of photographic material responsive to such sheet ofphotographic material being withdrawn from said camera system and saidone step independent of effecting relative movement between said opticalsystem and said mounting means comprises the withdrawal of such sheet ofphotographic material from said camera system.
 5. The camera system ofclaim 2 wherein said camera system is of the self-developing typeincluding means for spreading a processing fluid across such sheet ofphotographic material responsive to such sheet of photographic materialbeing withdrawn from said camera system and a second said stepindependent of effecting relative movement between said optical systemsand said mounting means comprises the withdrawal of such sheet ofphotographic material from said camera system.
 6. The camera system ofclaim 3 wherein said camera system is of the self-developing typeincluding means for spreading a processing fluid across such sheet ofphotographic material responsive to such sheet of photographic materialbeing withdrawn from said camera system and a second said stepindependent of effecting relative movement between said optical systemand said mounting means comprises the withdrawal of such sheet ofphotographic material from said camera system.
 7. The camera system ofclaim 1 wherein said indicating means comprises a plurality of lightsources on said camera system.
 8. The camera system of claim 1 whereinsaid indicating means comprises instructional indicia.
 9. A camerasystem comprising: an optical system for forming an image of a givensize at a focal plane; means for mounting a sheet of photographicmaterial in said focal plane, such photographic sheet being at leasttwice said given size; a shutter positioned in operative relationshipwith said optical system; manually operative means for achievingrelative movement between said optical system and said Mounting means tosequentially present first and second areas of such sheet ofphotographic material to said optical system whereby such first area maybe first exposed to record an image thereon and, after relative movementhas been effected between said optical system and said mounting means,such second area may be exposed to record an image thereon; and meansresponsive to the actuation of said shutter for indicating to anoperator that he should effect relative movement between said opticalsystem and said mounting means.
 10. The camera system of claim 9 whereinsaid indicating means comprises instructional indicia.
 11. The camerasystem of claim 9 wherein said indicating means comprises a lightsource.
 12. The camera system of claim 9 wherein said indicating meansare further responsive to subsequent relative movement being effectedbetween said optical system and said mounting means.
 13. The camerasystem of claim 9 additionally including a flash lamp, chargeable meansfor energizing said flash lamp, said chargeable means requiring a periodof time to become fully charged after each discharge thereof, and meansfor indicating to an operator whether or not said chargeable means isfully charged.
 14. The camera system of claim 13 wherein said means forindicating to an operator whether or not said chargeable means is fullycharged includes instructional indicia.
 15. The camera system of claim13 wherein said means for indicating to an operator whether or not saidchargeable means is fully charged comprises a light source.
 16. Aself-developing camera system comprising: an optical system for formingan image of a given size at a focal plane; means for mounting a sheet ofphotographic material in said focal plane, such photographic sheet beingat least twice said given size; means for spreading a processing fluidacross such sheet of photographic material responsive to such sheet ofphotographic material being withdrawn from said camera system; and meansresponsive to relative movement being effected between said opticalsystem and said mounting means for indicating to an operator that heshould effect the withdrawal of such sheet of photographic material fromsaid camera system.
 17. The camera system of claim 16 wherein saidmounting means is arranged with respect to said optical system forreciprocal movement relative thereto and said indicating means isresponsive to relative movement being effected between said opticalsystem and said mounting means in a first direction plus a seconddirection relative thereto.
 18. The camera system of claim 16 whereinsaid indicating means comprises instructional indicia.
 19. The camerasystem of claim 16 wherein said indicating means comprises a lightsource.
 20. The camera system of claim 16 wherein said camera systemadditionally includes a shutter positioned in operative relationshipwith said optical system and means responsive to the actuation of saidshutter for indicating to an operator that he should effect relativemovement between said optical system and said mounting means.
 21. Thecamera system of claim 16 wherein said camera system additionallyincludes indicating means responsive to the subsequent withdrawal ofsuch sheet of photographic material from said camera system.
 22. Thecamera system of claim 20 wherein said camera system additionallyincludes a flash lamp, chargeable means for energizing said flash lamp,said chargeable means requiring a period of time to become fully chargedafter each discharge thereof, and means for indicating to an operatorwhether or not said chargeable means is fully charged.
 23. A camerasystem of the self-developing type comprising: a first section includingan optical system for forming an image of a scene at a focal plane andin a predetermined area of said focal plane; a second section attachedto said first section for sliding movement thereon and including meansfor mounting a sheet of photOgraphic material at said focal plane, saidsheet of photographic material including a pull-tab accessibleexteriorly of said second section to facilitate its withdrawaltherefrom, means for spreading a processing fluid across said sheetafter exposure thereof and as said sheet of photographic material iswithdrawn from said second section, said sliding movement beingeffective to selectively present different portions of said photographicsheet into overlying coincidence with said predetermined area of saidfocal plane; means for operating said camera comprising an actuatingdevice and an electronic flash unit; and means for controlling theoperation of said camera in the form of an electrical system comprisingelectrical switch means operable by said sliding movement of said secondsection, electrical switch means operable by said actuating device, andindicator means responsive to the operation of said electrical switchmeans.
 24. A camera system according to claim 23 wherein said switch andindicator means include means for representing a next needed step ofmovement of said second section.
 25. A camera system according to claim23 wherein said switch and indicator means include means forrepresenting delay periods sufficient to facilitate the recharging ofsaid electronic flash unit between the formation of images in saiddifferent portions of said photographic sheet.
 26. A camera systemaccording to claim 23 wherein said switch and indicator means includemeans for representing the suitable situation for pulling said pull-tab,in terms of and when said image has presumably been impressed on both ofsaid different portions of said photographic sheet and said thus exposedsheet is ready for said spreading of processing fluid thereacross.
 27. Acamera system according to claim 23 wherein said switch and indicatormeans include: means for representing a next needed step of movement ofsaid second section; means for representing delay periods sufficient tofacilitate the recharging of said electronic flash units between theformation of images in said different portions of said photographicsheets; and means for representing the suitable situation for pullingsaid pull-tab as a function of the movement of said second section. 28.A camera system according to claim 27 wherein said image of a subject ismade up of two images on mutually exclusive portions of each of saidareas of said photographic sheet.
 29. A camera system comprising: afirst section including means for forming an image of a subject at afocal plane; a second section attached to said first section andincluding means for mounting a sheet of photographic material, includinga pull-tab, at said focal plane and for spreading a processing fluidacross said sheet after exposure thereof responsive to the exertion of apulling force on said pull-tab; means for displacing said second sectionbetween a position wherein said image is formed on a first area of saidphotographic sheet and a position wherein said image is formed on asecond area of said photographic sheet; electrical switch means attachedto one of said sections, adjacent the other of said sections; electricalswitch actuating means attached to said other of said sections, wherebysaid displacement of said second section results in actuation of saidswitch means; and signal means connected to and responsive to action ofsaid switch means in representation of a condition of displacement ofsaid second section, said switch and signal means including means forindicating when a condition of said displacement of said second sectionexists during which it is desirable that said pull-tab be pulled.
 30. Acamera system comprising: a first section including means for forming animage of a subject at a focal plane; a second section attached to saidfirst section and including means for mounting a sheet of photographicmaterial, including a pull-tab, at said focal plane and for spreading aprOcessing fluid across said sheet after exposure thereof resposive tothe exertion of a pulling force on said pull-tab; means for displacingsaid second section between a position wherein said image is formed on afirst area of said photographic sheet and a position wherein said imageis formed on a second area of said photograhic sheet; electrical switchmeans attached to one of said sections, adjacent the other of saidsections; electrical switch actuating means attached to said other ofsaid sections, whereby said displacement of said second section resultsin actuation of said switch means; and signal means connected to andresponsive to action of said switch means in representation of acondition of displacement of said second section, said switch and signalmeans including a switch and signal combination for representation of acondition of displacement of said second section in which it isdesirable that said second section be moved and a switch and signalcombination for representation of a condition of said displacement ofsaid second section when it is desirable that said pull-tab be pulled.31. A camera system comprising: a first section including means forforming an image of a subject at a focal plane; a second sectionattached to said first section and including means for mounting a sheetof photo-graphic material at said focal plane and for spreading aprocessing fluid across said sheet after exposure thereof; means fordisplacing said second section between a position wherein said image isformed on a first area of said photographic sheet and a position whereinsaid image is formed on a second area of said photographic sheet;magnetically operable electrical switch means attached to said firstsection, adjacent said second section; electrical switch actuating meanscomprising a permanent magnet attached to said second section, wherebysaid displacement of said second section results in actuation of saidswitch means; signal means connected to and responsive to action of saidswitch means in representation of a condition of displacement of saidsecond section.